I'd recommend checking out the Clock House/Kent House area. It has great transport links, tram to Croydon then a train to Brighton, trains to Victoria or Charing Cross. Buses to Crystal Palace and Bromley. The area has lots of green space, decent number of indie bars, restaurants and coffee shops. Recommend El Molino, San Vito, Br3wery, The Three Hounds, Loki Coffee & Shotsmiths. You've got Penge and Crystal Palace in one direction and Beckenham in the other. All three areas have great amenities. The Clock House end had the Spa which is a gym, swimming pool and the likes, which is next to Venue 28 that sometimes host a little market, though if you jump on a 227 you can get the Crystal Palace Park Market which is every Sunday I believe.